📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ramesh NG
Automobile
Delhi Govt Issues New Bus Safety Order Banning Curtains and Unauthorised Stops
✍️ indianexpress.com
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 03:33 AM
👁 1
The Delhi government has issued a fresh directive mandating that public buses remove interior curtains and refrain from making unauthorised stops, aiming to enhance passenger safety.
The Delhi government has released a new safety directive for public buses, specifying that interior curtains must be removed and that drivers should not make unauthorised stops. The order targets both state‑run and private operators operating within the National Capital Territory.
Officials say the measures are intended to improve visibility inside the vehicle and prevent incidents that arise when buses halt at locations not designated as official stops. By eliminating curtains, passengers can better see the road ahead and emergency exits, while restricting unsanctioned halts reduces the risk of traffic disruptions and accidents.
The directive gives operators a short compliance window, after which fines or suspension of permits may be imposed for violations. Transport authorities will conduct spot checks to ensure adherence and have asked bus companies to inform staff of the new requirements.
While the ruling has been welcomed by road‑safety advocates, some private operators have expressed concerns about the cost and time needed to retrofit their fleets. The government has indicated that it will consider reasonable extensions for smaller operators, provided they submit a formal request.
Officials say the measures are intended to improve visibility inside the vehicle and prevent incidents that arise when buses halt at locations not designated as official stops. By eliminating curtains, passengers can better see the road ahead and emergency exits, while restricting unsanctioned halts reduces the risk of traffic disruptions and accidents.
The directive gives operators a short compliance window, after which fines or suspension of permits may be imposed for violations. Transport authorities will conduct spot checks to ensure adherence and have asked bus companies to inform staff of the new requirements.
While the ruling has been welcomed by road‑safety advocates, some private operators have expressed concerns about the cost and time needed to retrofit their fleets. The government has indicated that it will consider reasonable extensions for smaller operators, provided they submit a formal request.